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Primitas Primary Schools Shine in Year 6 SATs Our Trust was delighted to see all of our primary schools’ Year 6 cohorts shine in their SATs after the delayed results came out just before the Sumer holidays. The outcomes across our Trust reflected the hard work put in by students, staff and families towards these tests. With many of the children continuing their education journey within Primitas secondary schools, the overwhelming majority are in strong position to step forward and thrive in their future studies. Amongst so many highlights: * Henry Chadwick’s Reading results were stunning – with almost half of the child achieving the top-end ‘Greater Depth’ benchmark. * Highfields’ superb Maths results stood comfortably above national benchmarks in both ‘Expected’ and ‘Greater Depth’ benchmarks. * Holly Grove’s Maths results were exceptionally strong too – whether that be the Y4 Times Tables results, or the Year 6 outcomes at ‘Expected’ and ‘Greater Depth’. * Ridgeway performed fantastically well across the board – especially with consistently strong results across the range of ‘Greater Depth’ benchmarks. Matt Allman, Chief Education Officer, said: “We are blessed to have a wonderful team across our primary schools who work extremely well together to share ideas, practice and developments. The SATs results were fantastic to see and there were plenty of celebrations with the students to show our pride in them doing so very well. Every child’s journey – and level is different – but our schools share a common commitment to help every child be the very best they can be.” [...]

Friary School Gains Eco-Schools Green Flag Award with Distinction.This prestigious national award recognises our commitment to sustainability and environmental education, celebrating the collective efforts of our students, staff, families and wider school community in making a positive impact on the environment. The journey towards this achievement began when our previous Headteacher, Mr Allman, identified 2025–2026 as the ‘Year of the Environment’ and set the school on a path towards strengthening its environmental awareness and action. From recycling and reducing waste to caring for outdoor spaces and learning how to protect our planet, students across the school have embraced the initiative with enthusiasm, responsibility and commitment. In awarding the Green Flag, judges commented that: “Your school’s greatest success this year has been the growing awareness and involvement from pupils across every year group. Pupils have become far more willing to learn about sustainability and take part in Eco initiatives, which has created a positive shift in attitudes across the school. It’s been brilliant to see pupils developing a clearer understanding of why protecting our planet matters for their own futures, and this shared commitment has had a genuinely uplifting impact on the whole school community.” The judges highlighted several particular strengths: Pupil-led assemblies during Road Safety Week helped all year groups engage with transport and sustainability issues. Waste and recycling have been explored in creative ways, from Year 7 Christmas recycling projects to inter-house competitions that helped pupils understand the amount of waste produced at school and at home. Older students made strong curriculum links through their Geography studies, examining sustainable cities such as Curitiba and evaluating Amsterdam’s Waste-to-Energy approach. The school’s commitment to involving pupils, families and the wider community was praised, with regular updates and photographs shared through the school website and social media to celebrate initiatives such as litter-picking projects and plastic bottle recycling. The electronic Eco Board displayed on school TVs was recognised as a highly effective way of promoting key environmental messages. Staff and student assemblies linked to events such as Second Hand September and World Water Day also helped ensure the whole school community remained engaged. Mark Drury, Headteacher, said: “Thank you to everyone who has supported our eco journey. This achievement belongs to the whole Friary community, and we look forward to building on this success in the years ahead.” To learn more about he Eco Schools Award click here. [...]

Summer Water Safety Our schools offer regular reminders to our students about personal safety – whether that be in relation to roads, cycling, train tracks, or summer fires – as part of our shared responsibility with parents to make sure our students keep safe and are sufficiently community-minded to keep those around them safe too. Added to this, our schools offer water safety reminders, and with recent reports of swimming in Chasewater, we are keen to reiterate the need to avoid taking risks in this area. Certainly, we have already pushed the messages that most parents would have made about the dangers of entering open water. This could be cold water shock, hidden hazards beneath the surface, or strong currents, and they all bring potentially life-threatening consequences. Recently, Staffordshire Police warned that: “While it may be tempting to cool off during warm weather, entering open water can be extremely dangerous. Entering the water can place not only those involved at risk, but also members of the emergency services who may be required to respond. We are asking parents and guardians to speak with their children and young people about the dangers of swimming in open water and the importance of following safety signage around Chasewater.” Toph Briggs, our Trust Safeguarding Lead Professional, echoed these sentiments: “As teachers and as parents we need to remind our children again, and again, and again, of the risks that are out there, and with the summer sun making open water swimming appealing, it is vital we make out children aware that it is not safe to go swimming in open water without due supervision. We would urge all parents to remind their children of this so that we have everyone back with us safe and sound in September.” [...]

Sixth Form & Year 11 Exam Results 2026 Our secondary schools – Erasmus Darwin Academy, Queen’s Croft High School and The Friary School – will be open this week and next to student as they collect their Sixth Form and Year 11 results. The Sixth Form results come out on Thursday 13 August and the Year 11 Results are distributed on Thursday 20 August. Staff will be on hand to support with places in universities, Sixth Form, colleges, apprenticeships and other post-school options. Students and parents can liaise with staff on Results Day or email the main school office address to receive further information. Matt Allman, Chief Education Officer, said; “Our secondary schools are superb in terms of careers and aspirations and have dedicated teams available to support individuals with their next steps in life. The journey through each of our schools is very much to set up students for their steps into adult life and we are keeping everything crossed that each Primitas student gets what they deserve comes Results Day.” [...]

Commitment of Sixth Form students hailed by Headteacher at The Friary School Friary Sixth Form students attended their Results Dya to see superb results across the board. Amongst fantastic progress rates across all abilities, there were also a strong of top grades pilled out including: Sebastien Menaut – A, A, A* Matthew Allen – A, A, A, Distinction Kimi Leigh – A, A, A, A Akito Tokiwa-Smith – A, A, A, A Amelia Hurst – A, A, A, A Amelia Long – A, A, C Calum Finch – A, A, A, A Timothy Huskisson – A, A, A, A Joshua Douglas-Boisson – A, A, A, Distinction* Harry Battams – A, A, A, A As well as those landing university places, the school’s apprenticeship programme also saw students secure positions across the engineering, legal, surveying, auditing and accounting sectors, as well with the civil service. Mark Drury, Headteacher, said: “I am immensely proud that the commitment shown by our students, their families and our staff has been rewarded with these excellent results. Given that education is about more than qualifications, this year group also made an outstanding contribution to school life, raising thousands of pounds for local charities, volunteering in the community, and embracing residential and field trips both in the UK and overseas. Even so, it is wonderful to see them conclude their time at Friary with such impressive academic success.” Andrea Garner-Thorpe, Head of Sixth Form, added: “We’re delighted to see so many Sixth Form students successfully move onto high-quality university courses. Equally, we’re very pleased to see others secured highly competitive apprenticeship opportunities, including several very prestigious degree apprenticeships. We’re looking forward to students coming back and telling us how they’re getting on.” [...]

Erasmus Darwin Academy Sixth Form Exam Success Sixth Form students enjoyed their Sixth Form Results Day at Erasmus Darwin Academy after achieving a storing of strong results in their academic and vocational courses. All students at the school have now secured places at university of apprenticeships, with 23% of all grades at either A* or A or equivalent, while 45% were between A* and B. A number of students achieved all A* or A grades, including: Charlie Elcock Jack Davis Ethan Donnelly Matty Hutchings Scarlett Robinson Millie Ryde Jessica Sangha Phil Walklate, Headteacher, said: “This cohort have achieved a fantastic set of outcomes – but most importantly, they are all leaving as good people and have secured their next steps. Throughout their Sixth Form journey, they have all given back to the academy in many ways and it has been inspirational to watch them grow as young people. These results reflect a huge team effort from every member of staff, and we wish all of our Year 13 leavers the very best in their next steps.” Matt Allman, Chief Education Officer, added: “It is fantastic to see the ambition of school leaders and staff come through in these results. The academy is always looking to improve – and it is this ambition that make sit a greta school to be at – but this is a great moment to pause, reflect on the hard-work and to celebnrate these wonderful achievements. Huge congratulations to the students, staff and families involved in this success story.” [...]

Highfields Primary Academy Earns Primary Futures Gold Careers Award One of our Trust’s primary schools, Highfields Primary Academy, has been awarded the prestigious the Primary Futures Gold Award for their work on careers and aspirations with their students. The honour recognises promotion for careers education and inspiring youngsters to explore their options for work in the future. A key factor in securing the award was the academy’s recent Career Week which saw volunteers from a range of professions visit the school to share their experiences with pupils. Children had the opportunity to hear first-hand from many different industries and backgrounds, learning about the skills, determination and opportunities that help to shape different careers. Mark Wilkes, Headteacher, said: “We are very proud to receive this award in recognition of this important work. We were incredibly blessed by the number of people who were prepared to share their careers with us and inspire our young people. The enthusiasm and generosity shown by our visitors made a real difference. By sharing their personal journeys, they helped our children understand that there are many different pathways to success and encouraged them to believe in their own potential.” [...]

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

BBC News - New vocational GCSE subjects to be introduced in schools...
As a Trust we hugely value vocational courses - and we do a great job with them - but another round of news courses begins again...

New vocational GCSE subjects to be introduced in schools

New GCSE subjects could include child development and building and construction as vocational courses are being introduced.

www.bbc.co.uk

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

The Guardian - Schoolchildren without smartphones penalised with higher bus fares...
One that needs sorting - as schools have to pay to lock up phones and discourage use - children can't get home without one...

Schoolchildren without smartphones penalised with higher bus fares

Despite guidance keeping mobile phones out of England’s schools, cheaper travel may only be available via an app

www.theguardian.com

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

Lichfield Live - Work completed on improvements to cycle and pedestrian safety along stretch of road in Lichfield...
We hugely appreciate the work done by Staff County Council on protecting Friary students... @StaffordshireCC

Work completed on improvements to cycle and pedestrian safety along stretch of road in Lichfield

Upgraded crossing and footpaths included as part of £400,000 project.

lichfieldlive.co.uk

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

Lichfield Live - Praise from councillor for new £12million Lichfield primary school as it welcomes first children...
Huge thanks to Councillor Janet Higgins and Karl Hodgkinson for their support in opening our wonderful school... @StaffordshireCC

Praise from councillor for new £12million Lichfield primary school as it welcomes first children

Greywood Primary Academy has opened its doors to Reception and nursery youngsters.

lichfieldlive.co.uk

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

Lichfield Live - Students to run community cafe as part of school's link-up with local venue...
Loving the creativity at Queen's Croft to give our students wonderful opportunities in life... Huge thanks to 55 Wade Street...
https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/students-to-run-community-cafe-as-part-of-schools-link-up-with-local-venue/

Home - 55 Wade Street

Welcome to 55 Wade Street, where fresh quality food meets city centre vibes, nestled in the heart of the Cathedral city of Lichfield.

www.55wadestreet.co.uk

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

BBC News - When Parenting Advice Becomes Too Much...
Always a balance we have to strike - but a proactive and committed involvement is vital... Parenting and friendship are not always the same thing...
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When parenting advice becomes too much

Many parents feel overwhelmed by the amount of parenting information available

www.bbc.co.uk

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

Lichfield Live - Free activities initiative for youngsters to run during October half-term for first time in Staffordshire...
Great offer from SCC - worth looking into for your child this half-term...@StaffordshireCC

Free activities initiative for youngsters to run during October half-term for first time in...

Holiday Activities and Food will offer those eligible for free school meals the chance to book sessions.

lichfieldlive.co.uk

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

Lichfield Live - Shenstone garden centre offering free Christmas trees for local schools and nurseries...
Loving Dobbies' (Shenstone) great offer to schools - ours are applying - fingers crossed...@dobbies

Shenstone garden centre offering free Christmas trees for local schools and nurseries

Five Nordmann Firs will be offered to education sites within 20 miles of Dobbies outlet.

lichfieldlive.co.uk

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

Funding helping local rock band record new EP...
Great to see current and ex-Primitas (Friary) students benefitting from this support...
And we well know they can play... 🎶

Funding helping local rock band record new EP

Support from UKSE helping SHOOK take next step.

lichfieldlive.co.uk

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

BBC News - Schools in England get extra £500m in bid to avoid teacher pay strike...
Welcome news - unfunded pay increased have been an effective funding cut too many times...

Schools in England get extra £500m in bid to avoid teacher pay strike

The offer of extra money by the government reduces the prospect of strike action by the largest teaching union.

www.bbc.co.uk

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

BBC News - Deep-fried food banned under new school dinner rules in England...
The Free Schools Meals funding has barely moved over recent years... £2.30 per meal in 2014 / £2.58 per meal in 2024-25...
Healthier food needs funding...

Deep-fried food banned under new school dinner rules in England

The government describes its new school food standards as "once-in-a-generation changes".

www.bbc.co.uk

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

BBC News - Student loan terms to be made clearer in England...
As the latest UCAS round of applications begin, students and parents need to know what they are signing up for...

Student loan terms to be made clearer in England

Changes will spell out that governments can change rules and that career choices affect repayments.

www.bbc.co.uk

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

BBC News - England up in reading, maths and science rankings as Scotland and Wales dip...
Thrilled that our schools have contributed to this national improvement...

England up in reading, maths and science rankings as Scotland and Wales dip

The latest Pisa report also warned of a global decline in teenagers' reading skills.

www.bbc.co.uk

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

Our Trust was delighted to see all of our primary schools’ Year 6 cohorts shine in their SATs after the delayed results came out just before the Sumer holidays.
The outcomes across our Trust reflected the hard work...https://www.primitas.co.uk/2026/09/07/primitas-primary-schools-shine-in-year-6-sats

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

This prestigious national award recognises our commitment to sustainability and environmental education, celebrating the collective efforts of our students, staff, families and wider school community in making a... https://www.primitas.co.uk/2026/09/07/friary-school-gains-eco-schools-green-flag-award-with-distinction